Speaker Bios

Jamey Schrier, PT, DPT Private Practice Coach

Jamey Schrier, PT, DPT, provides business coaching services to private practice owners. Jamey has been a PT business owner himself since 1998, so he has plenty of experience in dealing with the challenges that every owner faces: generating more new patients, overseeing financials, managing staff, and handling the stress of juggling many different roles.

Before automating his practice using systems and grade-A staff, Jamey was working 60-plus hours a week, missing his kids’ events, and worrying about pulling in enough money to make ends meet. The stress kept building, which caused his confidence to plummet. Nowadays, Jamey uses his 13-plus years of PT experience and vast business knowledge to provide one-of-kind courses that show practitioners how to double patient volume and increase take-home pay by 50%—all in under six months.

David Straight, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Founder, E-Rehab.com

David Straight, DPT, OCS, CSCS, has been a practicing physical therapist for 15 years. Furthermore, he has served as an owner and partner of four physical therapy clinics in North San Diego County for almost ten years. Involved in web and ecommerce development since 1996, David developed E-Rehab and initially tested its services at his physical therapy clinics. They were so well received that they naturally evolved into the E-rehab service model, which David offers to rehab therapy practices all over the country.

Joseph LaPorta President and CEO, Flexeon Rehabilitation

Joe LaPorta has lent his business leadership skills to several companies and organizations in the healthcare space, including, McKesson Corporation, GE Healthcare, Vidar Systems and most recently Flexeon Rehabilitation. Along with a broad skill set, keen business acumen, and a long-established network of industry relationships within the healthcare space, Joe brings a solid understanding of how to develop and manage strong revenue growth through team-building, innovation, and hands-on execution.

His expertise encompasses healthcare products and services in the areas of acute care, primary care, rehabilitation, surgery center, imaging center, and laboratory. Joeholds a master’s degree in business management from National Louis University and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He also completed the Execution Leadership Program at Cornell University and is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

This past year Joe led Flexeon Rehabilitation through a turn-around, growth and exit sale event to ATI Physical Therapy and continues on to assist through integration leadership consulting. Joe also acts as an adjunct professor in the School of Management & Business for National Louis University where he teaches Organizational Behavior and Leadership.

Rick Gawenda, PT Founder and President, Gawenda Seminars & Consulting

Rick Gawenda, PT, is founder and President of Gawenda Seminars & Consulting, Inc. He graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Rick also serves as the director of finance for a PT private practice with multiple offices in Southern California. From 2003–2009, he was the director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he was responsible for inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. He has provided valuable education and consulting to hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation agencies in the areas of billing, documentation compliance, revenue enhancement, denial management, and CPT, ICD-9, and ICD-10 coding.

Rick is a past president of both the American Physical Therapy Association’s Section on Health Policy & Administration and the Michigan Association of Medical Program Rehabilitation Administrators. He also serves on the editorial advisory board for Advance for Directors In Rehabilitation and acts as the liaison between the Michigan Physical Therapy Association and National Government Services. Rick is the author of “The How-To Manual for Rehab Documentation: A Complete Guide to Increasing Reimbursement and Reducing Denials” and “Coding and Billing For Outpatient Rehab Made Easy: Proper Use of CPT Codes, ICD-9 Codes and Modifiers”.

Over the course of her 30-plus-year career as a physical therapist, Deb has worked in private practice, outpatient orthopedic, skilled nursing, home care, and acute care settings. She has served as the director of clinical operations for a multi-site OPT practice, and from 2005 to 2012, she served as an area director of clinical operations in the Philadelphia region for Genesis Rehab and Respiratory Services. In that role, one of Deb’s responsibilities was to ensure documentation compliance by conducting new hire training, performing routine documentation audits, handling denial management and response, and providing coding and billing training to staff members. At Genesis, Deb also participated in company committees to assess EMR documentation compliance. Her main areas of interest and expertise include EMR data analysis and compliance training program development.

Deb graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. In 1991, she received her master’s degree in education and sports medicine/athletic training from Temple University, and in 2006, she earned her doctorate in PT from Simmons College. Most recently, she attended Penn State University’s project management program, receiving her certification as a project management professional (PMP). She also obtained certification in healthcare compliance. Additionally, Deb serves as a physical therapy expert witness specializing in negligence and standards of practice.

As the chief executive officer and compliance project manager at PT Compliance Group, Deb provides therapy chart auditing, with a particular focus on content to support medical necessity. Deb provides documentation training based on audit results, as well as training on reimbursement, coding, privacy, security, and auditing and monitoring therapy-specific areas of high risk.

Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC/L Founder and COO, WebPT, Inc.

As Chief Operating Officer at WebPT, Heidi leads the product strategy and oversees the WebPT brand vision. She founded WebPT after recognizing the need for a more sophisticated industry-specific EMR platform, and she has guided the company through exponential growth (WebPT ranked on the Inc. 500 list twice in a row), while garnering national recognition and receiving a significant investment from Battery Ventures. Heidi brings with her more than 15 years of experience as a physical therapist and multi-clinic site director as well as a passion for healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

An active member of the sports and private practice sections of the APTA, Heidi advocates for independent small businesses, speaks as a subject matter expert at industry conferences and events, and participates in local and national technology, entrepreneurship, and women-in-leadership seminars. Heidi is a mentor to physical therapy students and local entrepreneurs and leverages her platform to promote the importance of diversity, company culture, and overall business acumen in the private practice physical therapy space.

Heidi was a collegiate basketball player at the University of California, Davis, and remains a life-long fan of the Aggies. She graduated with a BS in biological sciences and exercise physiology, went on to earn her MPT at the Institute of Physical Therapy in St. Augustine, Florida, and recently obtained her DPT through EIM. When she’s not enjoying time with her daughter, Ava, Heidi is perfecting her Spanish, practicing yoga, or hiking one of her favorite Phoenix trails.

Ann Wendel, PT, ATC, CMTPT Owner, Prana Physical Therapy

Ann holds a BS in physical education studies with a concentration in athletic training from the University of Delaware, and she earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) licensed in Virginia, a licensed physical therapist, and a certified myofascial trigger point therapist (CMTPT).

Over the past two decades, Ann has continually developed as a healthcare professional. She started her career working with high school, college, and professional athletes, and later went on to work at an area hospital treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions.

In 2003, Ann completed intensive training as a Thai Yoga therapist, eventually reaching the advanced level in her course of study. Additionally, she has completed 300 hours of Pilates teacher training. Since 2003, she has owned and operated a private practice in Alexandria, VA, where she offers a wide range of services, including yoga, Thai massage, physical therapy, Pilates classes, and weightlifting instruction. Ann received her CMTPT through Myopain Seminars in 2011 and uses Trigger Point Dry Needling as a treatment modality. In May 2012, Ann joined the consulting team at Whole 9 Life, and she offers lifestyle consultations via in-person and phone appointments. In addition to treating clients, Ann writes; consults with business owners on branding, marketing, and successfully adding cash-based services to their service menus; speaks at a variety of national events and conferences; represents the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a media spokesperson; serves as a clinical advisor for Perfect Fit Health; and serves as a member of the advisory board at Girls Gone Strong.

Robert is a hands-on physical therapist who is genuinely focused on the customer experience. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Robert trained as a United States Navy Corpsman in the early ’80s and eventually became a physical therapist assistant. He later earned a physical therapy degree from Temple University and a master’s degree in business from DeSalles University. Robert is now the owner and operator of the Physical Therapy and Wellness Institute (PTWI), where he works with a 45-person team in the Philadelphia suburbs. The local chamber of commerce honored PTWI as Small Business of the Year in 2009, and it has received recognition as the community’s best PT practice since 2003. Recently, the Philadelphia Business Journal named PTWI one of the fastest-growing businesses in the Philadelphia metro area.

Jody Ruppert, OTR/L, MA CEO, OSI Physical Therapy

Jody Ruppert is the CEO of OSI Physical Therapy, the largest physical therapy private practice in Minnesota and one of the top-five largest in the Midwest. She graduated from the University of St. Catherine’s in 1999 with a degree in occupational therapy, and she received a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Bethel University in 2008. Later, she received a certificate in executive private practice management from EIM.

Jody has more than eight years of executive management experience, including her role as an active member of the boards for the Minnesota Systems Review Board (MSRB) and Therapy Partners, Inc. (TPI). She also co-authored an article titled, “Build a High-Performance Team,” which appeared in the September 2010 issue of IMPACT.

Jody’s strong philosophical approach to leadership is based on the 4R Model (relationships, roles, responsibilities, and results). Jody is passionate about developing leadership qualities in others, creating high-performance work cultures, and enhancing the customer experience in health care.

Dave Manzo Director of Operations, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center

Dave Manzo has a degree in accounting and finance from Franklin & Marshall College and has more than 15 years’ experience in the healthcare management field. As one of the founders of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, Dave focuses on managing the continued growth and success of the company, while remaining intricately involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations. An avid basketball player, Dave competed in the Division III National Championship and has coached at the high school level for ten years.

Mike Manzo graduated from Gettysburg College with a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 1997. He then received his master's degree in physical therapy from MCP/Hahnemann University (now Drexel) in Philadelphia in 1999. Mike founded Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in 2001 with his brother Dave Manzo. Together, they have grown the business to 11 outpatient physical therapy clinic locations in New Jersey.

Mike is passionate about human anatomy and the biomechanics of movement. He recently completed his Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) from the Gray Institute and serves as the director of clinical services for Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. He also is an avid Crossfitter.

Troy Bage, PT, DPT COO, Upstream Rehabilitation

Troy Bage graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1994 with a master’s degree in physical therapy. He also received a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga in 2008 and 2011, respectively. He has spent the majority of his career working in the outpatient orthopedic setting, focusing on both the clinical and managerial aspects of practice. He currently is the Chief Operating Officer of Upstream Rehabilitation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Upstream has more than 300 outpatient clinics in 21 states. Troy previously served as the president of Upstream’s largest company, BenchMark PT. In addition to operating BenchMark, Troy created the WebOutcomes and Therapy Direct product lines. Prior to joining BenchMark, Troy was Vice President of Operations at US Physical Therapy, managing 110 facilities in 17 states. Troy also has experience working with Physiotherapy Associates, HealthSouth, and Matrix Rehabilitation over the span of his 21-year career.

Julie Fritz, PhD, PT, ATC Associate Dean for Research, College of Health at the University of Utah, and Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah

Dr. Julie Fritz is the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also is a professor in the University of Utah’s Department of Physical Therapy. She received her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and she earned a PhD in rehabilitation science at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Fritz is currently an editor for the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and she’s an editorial board member for the European Spine Journal as well as a member of the Cochrane Back Review Group. Her research interests have focused on examining treatments for individuals with low back pain, matching the most effective treatments to various sub-groups of patients, and examining the translation of decision-making strategies into physical therapy practice.

Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Department of Defense, and the Foundation for Physical Therapy. The Orthopedic Section has recognized Dr. Fritz with its Rose Excellence in Research Award on four occasions, and the American Physical Therapy Association has honored her with the Marian Williams Award for Research in Physical Therapy as well as designation as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow.

Ryan Klepps is the co-founder and vice president of customer development at Strive Labs, Inc. He’s also a practicing PT at Scanlon Physical Therapy in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, and at Beth Israel Deaconess - Milton Hospital. Additionally, he serves as the membership chair on the board of directors for the APTA of Massachusetts.

Ryan graduated in 2012 with a doctorate in physical therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. He then went on to serve as an adjunct professor in the school’s PT research department, primarily focusing on patient compliance, patient satisfaction, patient-provider alliance, and patient outcomes.

Ryan is heavily involved in the physical therapy community at both a state and national levels. His passion lies in educating patients on the benefits of physical therapy and promoting direct access.

Scott Hebert, PT, DPT Co-Founder and CEO, Strive Labs, Inc.

Scott Hebert, PT, DPT, is the CEO and co-founder of Strive Labs, Inc. At Strive Labs, he oversees new product development and business strategy. Through his efforts, he has guided Strive Labs to becoming a leader in the patient relationship management (PRM) space, with more than 100,000 patients currently being managed through Strive’s system. Scott currently treats patients at the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine in Danvers, Massachusetts. He also serves as an adjunct professor in physical therapy research at Quinnipiac University. Scott’s primary area of study is patient compliance—specifically in relation to home exercise instruction—as well as patient satisfaction, patient-provider alliance, and patient outcomes.

He serves as the chair of the APTA of Massachusetts’ All Payers Database Research Group, which is a small committee focusing on collecting and analyzing payer data from the Massachusetts Center of Health Information and Analysis (CHIA). In that role, Scott has worked to design and implement data collection strategies and coordinate outcomes analysis.

Daphne Scott, PT, DPT, FAOMPT, OCS Founder of DS Leadership Life

Daphne Scott is the founder of DS Leadership Life, which specializes in leadership development and the creation of conscious positive cultures. She also is a founding member of the Conscious Leadership Group, bringing nearly two decades of real-world coaching and corporate development to her current leadership training work. Using her strong leadership abilities and expert facilitation skills, Daphne helps individuals and teams develop better relationships, work more creatively, and ultimately, achieve greater professional success. Daphne was a practicing physical therapist for 21 years, specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation. She also is a published author, and she recently obtained her master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is proud of the work she’s done with some of the top leaders in health care, and also of her previous work as the Director of Leadership Development and Clinical Outcomes at Athletico Physical Therapy. During her tenure at Athletico, the company was honored as the Chicago Tribune’s #1 Workplace in Chicagoland in 2013.

Dr. Jeff Hathaway is a physical therapist as well as a partner in Confluent Health and the owner and CEO of BreakThrough Physical Therapy in North Carolina. Additionally, he is a partner in Therapy Partners, Inc., where he heads up negotiations and relations with payers, ACOs, and medical homes. Previously, he served as a certified business coach and a consultant in the areas of team dynamics, interest-based negotiations, and conflict management. Dr. Hathaway is the founding director and current president of the Physical Therapy Business Alliance as well as an active member of his national and state physical therapy associations. He speaks and teaches all over the nation on topics related to business and physical therapy. One of his primary areas of focus is working with payers and employers to develop innovative ways to properly control medical costs and create value-based clinical pathways that meet the triple aim of healthcare reform.

Mike Riley, PT, DPT VP of Business Development at Professional Therapy Services Inc.

Michael Riley Jr. PT, DPT has been an outpatient physical therapist for more than 15 years. He graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in 1999 with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Physical Therapy. Recently, he completed Evidence in Motion’s Executive Program in Private Practice Management and Doctor in Physical Therapy degree. Outside of his education efforts, Dr. Riley works at Professional Therapy Services Inc. (PTS) and serves as a representative for the Southern District of the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. He’s dedicated to changing the face of healthcare by maximizing patient interactions and educating the world on the value of physical therapy. Mike loves the challenge of leading people, developing teams, and removing obstacles to live and work to his fullest potential. He is fascinated with improving the patient experience and making lifelong connections with his staff, patients, and colleagues.